"RC Airplane Challenge - an attempt to fly a radio controlled model plane to 30,000ft"

This is the extreme rc airplane challenge we're working on... and this site is where we're documenting all aspects of the rc plane, building, design and flight.

There are only a few rules we've set out:

1. The plane must fly from sea level (or there abouts)

2. We must use technology that is available within the RC community

3. And the plane should be in manual control throughout...

We thought (well, my friend Clare thought) that it would be cool to make the rc flight into a charity event too and there's sure to be lots of interest along the way so keep watching... and please, tell a friend about this site - the more who know the more we'll be able to raise when it comes to the day.

Who knows if we'll actually MAKE IT to 30,000ft... but at least we'll TRY. This is part of the excitement of the project!


How to follow along with the RC plane project:

The RC Airplane Project Blog - With news, thoughts and cries for help. lol :)

RC Plane Technical Notes - check out the categories. This is where I discuss things like prop and engine selection, flight mechanics, useful equations and other important things.

Our Sponsors - Be sure to see who has helped with the project.

Radio Controlled Planes and Altitude Performance

Flying a model airplane at high altitudes poses a number of interesting problems.

For a start, 30,000ft is over 7 miles up - that's over 9000m! The higher you go, air density and temperature both decrease quite rapidly and at 30,000ft the air density is only about 0.3 times that of sea level and the temperature is around -47C...

So, just a few of the problems are insulation of parts, lower lift in thin air, the complexities of engine and propeller selection, and an optimally designed wing... not to mention controlling the thing and knowing where it is!

By following along with the project, you'll see what the main problems are and no doubt get ideas and information along the way... with ultra long signal range, wireless video, GPS flight data, and a healthy dose of flight physics.

Imagine seeing the vast expanse of sky and ground from so high up, on a laptop screen, and knowing it's live from a radio controlled airplane flying out of sight... how cool, especially with a virtual reality headset :-)

Stay up-to-date with the email updates, and watch out for the flight day video!

Project News and RC Plane Tips

We really appreciate your help!

The table below is updated the instant things change, so if you want to get in on this then you can still do it now. Either donate for a specific item or you can support us with any amount as you'll see below.